How to Stay Active in Anchorage During the Winter Months

Winter in Anchorage is a magical time, with snow-covered landscapes and the northern lights. However, the long, dark months and frigid temperatures can make staying active challenging during the winter months. Thankfully, Anchorage offers many ways to maintain your activity levels in winter, from outdoor adventures to creative indoor workouts. Here’s how you can stay active and healthy all winter long.

Embrace the Outdoors

Anchorage’s winter beauty provides unique opportunities for outdoor exercise:

• Cross-Country Skiing: Stay active in winter with Anchorage’s extensive network of groomed trails, including Kincaid Park and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. These trails offer stunning views of the mountains and coastline while providing an excellent way to build endurance and strengthen muscles. Cross-country skiing has been shown to be especially good at reducing overall inflammation and the risk of cardiovascular disease.

• Snowshoeing: Snowshoeing is perfect for exploring snowy terrain and can be done on trails like Flattop Mountain and Hillside Park. This low-impact activity works the lower body and improves balance, making it a favorite for winter enthusiasts.

• Winter Running or Walking: Anchorage’s plowed trails, such as the Chester Creek Trail, are great for staying active during the colder months. Walking or running outdoors helps maintain mental health by increasing endorphins and reducing symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which, according to a study conducted by the University of Denver, affects approximately 10 times more Alaskans than those living outside of Alaska.

• Ice Skating: Outdoor rinks like Cuddy Family Midtown Park and Westchester Lagoon offer a family-friendly fun activity in Anchorage during winter while improving balance and coordination.

• Fat-Tire Biking: Anchorage’s snow-packed trails, like those at Campbell Creek Greenbelt, are ideal for fat-tire biking, a unique way to stay active during the winter. Cycling enthusiasts report improved core strength and overall stamina after taking up this challenging activity.

Take Advantage of Indoor Activities in Anchorage

When it’s too cold to be outside, Anchorage’s indoor activity options can keep you moving:

• Join a Gym: Local fitness centers like BFit & Well offer group exercise classes and weight training ensuring a variety of options for all fitness levels.

• Climbing Gyms: Indoor climbing provides a full-body workout, enhancing strength, flexibility, and problem-solving skills as you plan your route on the wall.

• Indoor Ice Rinks: Facilities with year-round ice rinks allow you to enjoy skating without braving the bitter cold.

• Dance Fitness: Dance classes like hip-hop or ballroom are a fun way to improve coordination, flexibility, and cardiovascular health while keeping your routine exciting.

• Recreational Sports: Anchorage has indoor spaces for activities like racquetball, basketball, and pickleball, offering great ways to stay active and socialize.

Creative At-Home, Indoor Exercises

When the weather keeps you indoors, staying active in Anchorage at home is easy and convenient:

• Stream Online Fitness Classes: Platforms offering yoga, pilates, and strength training cater to all levels and require minimal equipment. Many gyms like BFit & Well offer virtual fitness options.

• Bodyweight Workouts: Exercises like lunges, push-ups, and planks target key muscle groups and build functional strength.

• Household Items as Equipment: Use water bottles or backpacks filled with books as weights, or try resistance bands for strength training.

• Create a Yoga Corner: Practicing yoga at home enhances flexibility and mindfulness, helping to reduce stress and maintain focus during the dark winter season.

Stay Motivated All Winter Long

Anchorage’s long winters require creativity and focus to maintain fitness routines. Here’s how to stay motivated:

• Set Goals: Aim to try a new trail or complete a winter fitness challenge in Anchorage to keep things exciting.

• Dress for Success: Invest in quality cold-weather gear, such as insulated layers, waterproof boots, and gloves, to stay warm and dry outdoors.

• Find a Workout Buddy: Exercising with a friend adds accountability and makes workouts more enjoyable.

• Track Progress: Use fitness apps to log activities and celebrate milestones, keeping yourself motivated.

Your Healthiest Winter Yet

Staying active during Anchorage’s winter months is essential for both physical and mental well-being. Regular exercise helps combat seasonal affective disorder, boosts energy levels, and enhances overall health. Whether you’re exploring snowy trails, enjoying indoor sports, or finding creative ways to work out at home, Anchorage offers countless activities and exercise opportunities in winter to stay fit and energized.

At BFit & Well, our team is here to support Anchorage  in staying active and happy this winter, no matter the weather. Call to schedule an appointment to try one of our fitness classes or ask about our small group personal training!